Understanding what abuse looks like
Learn to recognize the signs and patterns of abuse. Knowledge is the first
Abuse can take many forms—and it’s not always physical. It often begins subtly and escalates over time, leaving victims feeling isolated, unsafe, and unsure of what they’re experiencing. Below are some common types of abuse that occur in conjugal or family relationships:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, pushing, choking, hair pulling, or using any object as a weapon. It is often the most visible form of violence, but not always the most frequent.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing someone to perform sexual acts against their will, whether through threats, pressure, or physical force.
Emotional Abuse
This includes putting someone down, constant criticism, name-calling, and humiliation. Emotional abuse aims to destroy a person’s self-worth and confidence.
Economic Abuse
Economic abuse occurs when someone controls access to financial resources, such as taking money, preventing employment, or making the victim ask for money. It is a tactic used to create dependency.
Using Children
This form of abuse involves using children to manipulate or control the victim, such as making them feel guilty or using children to deliver messages or threats.
Intimidation
Intimidation includes scaring someone through aggressive gestures, yelling, destroying property, or controlling physical space, all designed to instill fear.
Threats
This includes threatening to harm the victim, take the children, or commit suicide as a means of control and coercion.
Using Male Privilege
This form of abuse involves treating a partner like a servant, making unilateral decisions, and using gender roles to maintain power and control in the relationship.
Do you need help?
Abuse is never justified. If you recognize any of these behaviors in your relationship or someone else’s, know that help is available. You are not alone.
Contact us to speak with a professional. All services are confidential and free of charge.